Starting next month, Iowa has expanded the list of people eligible for COVID vaccinations. Thursday Governor Kim Reynolds lowered the age of those in phase 1-B from 75 to 65.
But don't get your hopes up for vaccination any time soon, according to Ed Rivers, Director of the Scott County Health Department. He says Iowa receives 19,500 doses each week, but there are 660,000 people included in the next phase.
"At the rate Iowa now receives vaccine it will take nearly nine months to reach everyone in phase 1-B. We can only hope that an increase in the availability of vaccine will speed the process."
The health department is now working with other health care providers in Scott County to figure out how to handle vaccinations in the next phase. And Rivers emphasizes don't call the health department because so many details have yet to be worked out.
After a huge traffic jam at its weekly vaccination clinic, and having to turn away large numbers of people, the Rock Island County Health Department has come up with a new plan for future clinics.
Administrator Nita Ludwig says people who'd like to get vaccinated now have to sign up online. From now on, registrations will be accepted beginning each Friday morning at 10 am for the clinic the following Tuesday.
"If you do not get a slot, please do not come to the Auto Auction because they will not have vaccine for you. You will be turned away at the entrance unless you have pre-registered through that link."
The county is currently receiving about 600 doses each week.
Ludwig hopes these changes will cut the wait times for vaccinations, and prevent traffic tie-ups around the site at the Greater Quad City Auto Auction in Milan.
